Post
Research the Car Logo

2012 BMW 650i xDrive

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2012 BMW 650i xDrive is a luxury grand tourer known for its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and elegant styling. It features a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other options available in the 6-series range that year included a 640i and 640i xDrive, with a 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine. Many owners appreciate the 650i xDrive for its performance and luxurious features, but some common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the engine and electrical systems. Some also express concerns about the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 (N63)

  • Oil Leaks from Valve Stem Seals
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks past the valve stem seals, leading to excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust, especially upon startup.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining or screeching noises from the engine bay, reduced engine power, and potential check engine lights. The turbocharger may fail prematurely due to oil starvation or component wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced fuel economy, and potential engine hesitation. Fuel injectors can fail or become clogged, leading to improper fuel delivery.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per injector
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (GA8HP70)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, erratic shifting, and potentially stalling. The torque converter may fail due to wear or fluid contamination.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Slipping or Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Delays in gear changes, slipping during acceleration, or harsh engagement of gears. This may be caused by worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or low transmission fluid.
    • Solution: Transmission service, valve body repair/replacement, or transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (service) - $6,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging of the vehicle, especially overnight, and potential “Suspension Malfunction” warnings. The compressor may fail due to wear or moisture damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Adaptive Damper Issues (If Equipped with Adaptive Drive)
    • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or uncomfortable ride, uneven handling, and potential error messages related to the adaptive suspension system. The dampers may leak or fail electronically.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty adaptive damper(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 per damper
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, or complete failure of the iDrive infotainment system.
    • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the car sits for an extended period. This may be due to a parasitic drain caused by a faulty module or system.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic drain and repair or replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Faulty Sensors
    • Description/Symptoms: A variety of warning lights, potentially including TPMS, ABS, stability control, or others.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per sensor
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Burned out halo rings, flickering, or completely burned out headlights.
    • Solution: Replacement of the headlights or bulbs/ballasts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ per headlight assembly
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Side Mirror Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure to adjust properly, motor failure, or broken folding mechanism.
    • Solution: Replacement of side mirror
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per side mirror
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof jams, failing motor, or leaks.
    • Solution: Sunroof repair, motor replacement, or track lubrication.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 650i xDrive, while a desirable vehicle, has some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine issues, particularly oil leaks and turbocharger failures, can be quite expensive to address. Electrical problems and suspension issues can also contribute to high ownership costs. While some repairs are relatively minor, others can be major and significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures. The estimated cost to fix these issues can vary greatly, from a few hundred dollars for sensor replacements to several thousand dollars for engine or transmission repairs. These are important considerations when evaluating the purchase of a used 2012 BMW 650i xDrive.

BMW, 650i xDrive
BMW 650i xDrive 2012
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.